Questionable early ‘00s associations aside, nothing polishes a look (literally) like a little shine on the lips.
While we love the idea of a grown-up gloss, it’s still a tall order to find a formula that truly steers out of sticky territory, and it’s all too common to have to compromise on comfort altogether in the name of aesthetics.
That’s precisely where lip oils come in – not only do they deliver a coating of subtle sheen, but they also offer as much in the hydration and lip-conditioning arenas as your favourite balms, just with a far chicer finish.
Plus, lip oils have been going absolutely viral on TikTok, with everyone and their besties on the hunt for the perfect formula.
Intrigued? We’ll bet. We’ve rounded up the overachieving oils you simply have to try – whether you opt for a transparent blend or one with a hint of tint is completely your call…
Best Nourishment: Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Blackberry, $35 at myer.com.au
Powered by the plumping and hydrating powers of plant oils, this was the original oil to catch our eyes (and grace our lips) – one coat of the beautiful wet-look blackberry sheen it imparts and you’ll soon understand the obsession.
Best Glossiness: Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil, $52 at Cult Beauty
If you’re on the hunt for the lip oil that will offer gentle pigment and major gloss, this is the oil for you. It’s designed to have a ‘mirror finish’ for that super pouty smile, and is brimming with skin-loving ingredients such as shea oil, Vitamin E, caster and jojoba oils.
Best Value: Lip Oil Hydrating Treatment, $14 at MCo. Beauty
Designed to hydrate and nourish the lips, this gloss provides lasting hydration for an unbeatable price. It doesn’t skimp on the good stuff either, infused with jojoba oil to protect your pout from the elements.
Best Luxury: Dior Lip Glow Oil in Raspberry, $52 at sephora.com.au
Enriched with cherry oil, this pampering pink hydrator creates a protective film against environmental aggressors that can cause dryness while also using its clever Colour Reviver technology to adapt to and enhance your specific lip tone.
Best Drugstore: NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip, $19.99, Adore Beauty
Hitting under the $20 mark, this drugstore lip oil offers sheen and an array of tints for a lightweight, sheer lip oil you’ll want to go back to again and again. Non-sticky this formula utilises raspberry seed oil and Vitamin E to nourish the smackers.
Best Finishing Gloss: Stila Heaven’s Dew Gel Lip Oil Rain Drop, $66 at Pretty Little Thing
This gel-formula lip oil adds a wonderful sheen to the lips, using hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil to nourish and plump. The non-sticky formula has a high shine finish and suspended glitter particles add a little sparkle. It’s the best for topping any matte or satin lipstick.
Best For Pigment: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss, $30 at Cult Beauty
This gloss is lightweight and non-sticky but offers more colour pay off with a lovely selection of shades. It’s a slightly thicker, wetter formula that has peptides to stimulate collagen production and evening primrose oil to add hydration.
Best Lasting: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil , $39 at Sephora
This innovative formula is a stain and oil all built into the one tube. It goes on glossy and shiny, but as the gloss wears away throughout the day a gentle stain is left behind, offering brilliant long-lasting colour. With an array of stunning shades, this is a very nifty handbag companion.
